Director’s Insights: Libraries Leading the Way to Health Literacy
Posted by Kathryn Vela on October 14th, 2025
Posted in: Blog, Health Literacy
Tags: academic libraries, community outreach, health information outreach, health literacy, health literacy month, Health Sciences Library, library outreach, Public Libraries
October is my favorite month. I love the sound of crunchy leaves, trips to the pumpkin patch, and cozy evenings with a warm cup of tea. On top of that, October is Health Literacy Month, a time to focus on making health information clear and easy to access. Librarians in public and academic settings play a big role in advancing health literacy. They do more than share resources; they help break down barriers, build trust, and connect with the people they serve.
Access to Reliable Information
Public and academic libraries are trusted places where anyone can find reliable health information. University health sciences libraries help both future health professionals and the public by sharing up-to-date, evidence-based resources. Public libraries also offer easy-to-read materials in many languages and formats, making it easier for people from all backgrounds to learn about important health topics for themselves and their families.
Both public and academic libraries help bridge the digital divide by offering free internet and helping visitors use online health resources or telehealth services. This support makes sure that people without steady internet or strong digital skills can still find trustworthy health information.
Community Engagement
Promoting health literacy means reaching people in ways that work for them. Public libraries offer welcoming spaces for programs like wellness workshops, nutrition classes, job help, language lessons, and legal aid. They often team up with local groups, social workers, or health professionals to make sure their programs and resources meet the community’s diverse needs.
Academic libraries can work with local public health groups or campus wellness programs to bring lectures, screenings, and health fairs to campus and nearby neighborhoods. By connecting directly with students and the public, these libraries help reduce stigma, encourage preventive care, and make health support easier to access.
Capacity Building
Public and academic libraries help people learn how to navigate the healthcare system and speak up for their own health. Public libraries can train staff to help visitors sign up for health insurance, find clinics, or connect with social services. Libraries are often safe, welcoming places for people facing homelessness, mental health challenges, or chronic illness, giving them a way to find care and support.
Health sciences libraries build on this work by teaching students, faculty, and community members how to spot good health information, avoid misinformation, and support health literacy in their future careers. They often offer help with systematic reviews and run hands-on workshops, making sure public health professionals and clinicians can explain health topics clearly to every patient.
Libraries as Change Agents
Libraries do more than store information. They bring together university researchers, local professionals, social service agencies, and community leaders to work toward shared goals. These partnerships help libraries try out, improve, and grow new health literacy programs. By listening to their communities and adjusting their services, libraries lead the way in creating fairer health outcomes.
As autumn encourages us to reflect, Health Literacy Month is a call to action. It’s about creating welcoming spaces, sharing knowledge, and building systems where equity is part of every aspect of health. Public and academic libraries work toward this goal all year, showing us that health literacy is not just a dream, but something we can achieve together.
Additional Resources
- CDC Health Literacy for Public Health Professionals Resources. https://www.cdc.gov/health-literacy/php/resources/health-literacy-resources.html
- ALA Health Literacy, Programming, and Consumer Health Information. https://www.ala.org/pla/initiatives/healthliteracy
- IMLS Information Literacy. https://informationliteracy.gov/page/health-literacy
- NIH Health Literacy. https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication/health-literacy
- NNLM Introduction to Health Literacy. https://www.nnlm.gov/guides/intro-health-literacy
ABOUT Kathryn Vela
Kathryn Vela is the Executive Director for NNLM Region 5.
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